Ammoa Luxury Resort & Spa: Our First Family Vacation as a Family of Four
When our eldest daughter, Yasmin, was just three months old, we decided to dive into the deep end (literally) and fly with her to Greece. The experience was so amazing that we knew it would become a family tradition. And here we are, three years later, finding ourselves once again on Greek soil – this time in Halkidiki, with two daughters: our eldest now 3+ years old, and our little one, Ariel, just two months and a week old.
If you had asked me once if I would travel with a two-month-old baby, I might have hesitated. But after our successful experience with Yasmin, I knew it was possible and even recommended it. Yes, a family vacation is very different from a couple's getaway, but it has its own magic – the magic of creating shared memories, discovering the world through innocent eyes, and connecting as a family away from daily routines.
The Destination
It was clear to us that we would choose Greece as our vacation destination again. After some deliberation (Greece is so amazing, it's hard to choose!), we settled on Halkidiki – an enchanting peninsula in northern Greece, consisting of three “fingers” – Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos. The resort we decided to spend our first vacation in as a family of four is located in the Sithonia area, the middle finger in Halkidiki between Kassandra an Mount Athos.. The place offers a perfect combination of turquoise beaches, green landscapes, and an authentic Greek atmosphere – all within a short drive from Thessaloniki.
Let’s Cut to the Chase – Everything You Need to Know About the Resort
Getting to the Resort
The drive from Thessaloniki Airport to the hotel takes about an hour. We chose to book a van transfer service in advance with safety seats for the girls, which made the journey comfortable with minimal hassle. There's also an option to rent a car at the airport for those who prefer to be mobile and explore the area. We decided this time to stay at the hotel, take the most relaxed vacation possible, and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer to the fullest.
We were invited to stay at the Ammoa Luxury Resort & Spa, and I must say – it was the perfect place for us as a young family. The hotel is located right on the beach in the charming village of Possidi, with breathtaking views of the Toroneos Gulf.
Advantages for Families
What made the vacation so successful were the special benefits the hotel offers to families:
- Many rooms with private pools, allowing for maximum privacy and convenience.
- The hotel is on one level, making it easy and comfortable to move around with a stroller.
- The private beach is adjacent to the pools.
- There are many open spaces for children to run and play safely.
- There's a special buffet for children, adapted to their height!
The Room: Sunset Pavilion 2 Bed Private Pool
This time we indulged at a whole different level – we were invited to stay in the Sunset Pavilion suite with two bedrooms and a private pool. Wow, it's simply a room from the movies! The room was spacious and tastefully designed, with a perfect blend of modern and traditional Greek elements.
The private terrace with the pool was undoubtedly the star of the vacation. While the baby slept in the air-conditioned room, we could enjoy quiet moments in the water, or just lie on the comfortable sun loungers and admire the amazing view.
The Pools and Beach: Paradise for Children (and Parents)
The hotel offers 4 public pools and private pools in the rooms. This gave us plenty of options for variety and change of atmosphere. But the beach… oh, the beach. It was something else entirely. Soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and endless umbrellas and loungers. Our older daughter built magnificent sand castles, while we took turns holding the baby and relaxing in the sun.
The beach service was excellent – there was always someone to provide us with a cold drink or a light snack. And when the sun began to set, the sight was simply mesmerizing. The sunsets in Halkidiki are truly something you have to see to believe.
The Food: Tasty Variety and an Impressive Chef's Restaurant
The breakfast and dinner buffets at the hotel were very nice. The variety in the buffet was wide and very fresh, with an emphasis on traditional Greek dishes alongside international options.
But the real culinary experience was at the hotel's chef's restaurant. Located right on the beach with a stunning sea view, the restaurant served high-level gourmet dishes, combining Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist. The meal there was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the vacation.
The Spa and Gym: Personal Quality Time
One of the surprising and enjoyable things about the vacation was the time we dedicated to the spa. To enjoy the massages and facilities, we had to take turns – each time one of us stayed in the room with the girls while the other enjoyed pampering at the spa.
What started as a “constraint” quickly turned into amazing personal quality time. An hour of massage, and then more time in the spa facilities, was exactly what we needed to refresh and return full of energy to family time.
The hotel also offers a well-equipped gym, a studio for workouts like Pilates and stretching, and even a Pilates reformer bed. I'm less into workouts during vacation (especially when it's such a family-oriented one…), but it's a serious bonus for those who are interested.
Tips for a Successful Family Vacation in Halkidiki:
- Choose convenient flight times: We flew early in the morning, which allowed us to arrive at the hotel in time for check-in and make full use of the first day.
- Plan ahead: Booking a transfer in advance can make getting to the hotel much easier.
- Take advantage of hotel services: The hotel's room service was really useful when the baby was sleeping in the room and we decided to order lunch straight to our private pool.
- Take your time: Don't try to cram in too many activities. This vacation is for relaxing and connecting as a family.
- Check meal options: The hotel offers options for breakfast or half board. We chose half board and it was perfect for us.
- Give yourself personal time: If possible, try to take turns for grooming and relaxation times. It's good for the relationship and refreshes your energy.
In Conclusion: The Magic of a Family Vacation
The vacation in Halkidiki was exactly what our family needed. A perfect combination of tranquility, pampering, and quality family time. The Ammoa Luxury Resort & Spa was the perfect base for this vacation, with all the comfort and indulgences a young family could ask for.
True, a family vacation is very different from a couple's getaway. It's full of small challenges, unexpected moments, and much less sleep. But it's also full of magical moments – the laughter of the older child as she feels the waves and feeds the little fish in the sea, the amazed look of the baby when she sees the sunset over the sea, and the quiet moments in the evening when we all cuddle together in the big bed.
If you're hesitating about a first family vacation with a baby, I warmly recommend – jump into the water (preferably the turquoise waters of Halkidiki)! It's an experience you'll never forget. And honestly? We're already planning our next visit. As we discovered, a family vacation is not just rest – it's an opportunity to create memories that will accompany us and the children for a lifetime.
What do you think of Ammoa Luxury Resort & Spa?
I would love to hear in the comments 😘
